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Phoenix service-oriented in victory PHOENIX - The service game made a return visit to the Phoenix High volleyball team just in time for its Skyline Conference opener. Behind a 39-of-41 team-serving effort, the Pirates trounced Hidden Valley, 15-6,15-2, on Tuesday. "Down in the Yreka tournament (last weekend), our serving was not characteristic of us," Phoenix coach Tom Murphy said. "We usually serve aggressive, and we weren't doing that. "Tonight, we got back to serving how we normally do." Setter Kelsey Russell was perfect from behind the line in 10 opportunities and had three aces. The junior also had a strong floor game with 19 assists. April Darby and Tiffany Ross shared high-kill honors with six apiece, while Kelly Meredith had three kills and four stuff blocks. Joni Mahon also had a strong service game with an 8-of-9 performance and four aces. "What it came down to was they were having a hard time converting our serves into any transition points," Murphy said. "It became one of those serve-versus-serve receive matches, and our serving won out, which early in the season is pretty characteristic." The Pirates (4-1, 1-0) head to Klamath Falls for a showdown with league-powerhouse Henley on Thursday. LAKEVIEW 15-15, ROGUE RIVER 7-4 - At Lakeview, junior outside hitter Jess Childress had eight kills, seven digs and was 12-for-12 from the service line in Lakeview's Skyline Conference-opening win. Senior Francis Hartman added five kills, while junior Megan Albertson had 18 assists to lead the Honkers. Lakeview remains undefeated with a 6-0 overall mark and 1-0 conference record. North Valley was led at the service line by Michelle Beck, who had two aces and a string of points in the opening game. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.